One of the most vital relationships that a child can develop is the one between siblings. There are experiences that occur in these young lives that are only realized by children of the same household. When separation occurs, the link between brothers and/or sisters is stretched, becoming fragile and even broken. The same issues plague children who have, fortunately, been reunited with their siblings and are trying to live as a family once again. But JISU believes that the sibling relationship is capable of being mended, restored and strengthened.

Camp JISU brings together brothers and sisters (whether biologically or environmentally related) to reunite in a safe, neutral, week-long (5 day) camp. In this setting, the children experience old memories and create new ones in mending and strengthening their bond for their life ahead.

Programming includes:

Abuse education

Addiction usage and prevention

Bonding Initiatives

Life empowerment (ages 14 up)

Personal growth and development

Social interaction and confidence building

Arts and crafts

Music and dance

Our New Beginning Birthday Parties

“… having my sibling made Camp JISU better because me and my brother worked as a team…It meant a lot to me. It was a great thing.”

… Camp JISU was awesome…”

“JISU helped me be true to myself and family.”

“… Camp JISU meant love and friendship…taught me to believe in myself and stick with your friends and family.”

“… Camp JISU mainly meant believe, achieve and succeed.”

“My five days at camp were awesome … others need to see how fun it is. Camp with my siblings was better because we bonded”

“My time at camp was extra fun … makes me want to come back 100 times more….”

“… everyone should know about JISU. It means to get connected to your young siblings.”

Aging Out Services

For older teens 14-21+

The impact of separation on the sibling relationship is also felt as a child evolves into adulthood. So often they feel isolated, angry, and disappointed at having been deprived of a familial connection. Now, faced with maturation and the responsibilities for self for the first time in their lives, JISU works to prepare these children for the present and the future; to strengthen them to take on the void left when the security of the system is no longer there for them. Their new life is scary and without training, assistance, and a helping hand, they are doomed to fail. JISU embraces these children and helps them adapt, to transition into manhood and womanhood, also known as “aging out”.

For children approaching the phase in their lives when the social service system releases them from governmental care and regulation, JISU provides targeted programs and oversight. Beginning at age 14 to approximately age 21, we work to ensure that the children evolve into young adulthood equipped with the tools required for their transition – to face, adjust and master life’s calling.

This is an extension of the services offered at Camp JISU and includes specialized programs designed to meet the developmental needs of the evolving young adult including:

Transition Planning

Mentoring

Monitoring

Life Skills Development

Education and Professional Development

Housing

Financial management

Crises response

Peer support groups

Year Round Activities

additional resources

Our goal is to help the children of JISUobtain the vital resources needed to repair and ultimately strengthen their familial bond which too often has been negatively impacted by separation from their family including their siblings.

JISU offers resources throughout the year for our children who need direction, assistance or simply someone to talk to.

While providing opportunities to gather socially, we also address, through seminars or other venues, such critical topics as: